It was time for our annual jaunt away from the rigours of worksville; in quest of that little bit of paradise we all crave when we switch off from the daily grind, when we realised that we needed some last minute organisation.
Our flight was a morning departure from Gatwick and we had to check in around 3 hours before that. So what were we to do? We had done similar before, but we wanted to try something slightly different, so we decided that we’d go to HolidayExtras to arrange an overnighter, where we could drive up to Gatwick the night before, check into a hotel which allowed us to park the car for the time we’d be away too.
The Courtyard Marriott Gatwick seemed to allow the most convenient and easiest options all-round. It is situated just a short walk from South Terminal, although there is a shuttle bus available for a small cost if those cases are just a little bit too big (or the rain is lashing down in our case). The check-in process was so simple too, with the car and the hotel check-ins being adjacent to each other. We parked literally just outside the front door, were allocated our room – ROOM 101, no less! – and then we simply showed our booking and handed the keys over to the car parking staff who looked after everything, delivering it back to the front of the hotel for our return.
Despite its rather ominous title, our ‘room 101’ was lovely! Spacious, comfortable, well-appointed and cool and airy. It was amazingly quiet considering the hotel is just under the approach light path for Gatwick. We didn’t hear a thing the whole time.
Treating ourselves to a meal and a drink, we were really impressed with the quality and excellent service we were offered. The prices in the bar/restaurant were reasonable and the settings were lovely, offering a good atmosphere, but with just the right amount of privacy too.
The following morning we were full of good intentions of walking over to the terminal, but the incessant deluge that was being bestowed upon southern Britain helped us decide last minute to use the shuttle bus, which got us to the terminal in literally a minute. Can’t beat a good old departure deluge to get you in the mood for your flight to sunnier climes, can you!
All-in-all it’s a brilliant way of starting your holiday relaxed, stress-free and in the spirit of the moment. Packages at the Courtyard Marriott booked through HolidayExtras start from as little as £85, which include both the Hotel stay and car parking for the duration. I couldn’t think of a better way to get it started!
Nigel Crawford, Co-Editor
August 2011 | 
Canvas Holidays 2012
